The registered nurse is discussing care of an infant diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with a nursing student. The registered nurse determines that the nursing student needs further teaching regarding a PDA when the student states that which circulatory change is a characteristic of this disorder?
This shunting allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix.
Blood is shunted to the right side of the heart.
This shunting results in increased pulmonary blood flow.
Blood is shunted to the left side of the heart.
The Correct Answer is D
A. "This shunting allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix."
Explanation: This statement is correct. In PDA, the shunting of blood between the aorta and pulmonary artery allows oxygenated and unoxygenated blood to mix, leading to decreased oxygen saturation in the systemic circulation.
B. "Blood is shunted to the right side of the heart."
Explanation: This statement is correct. In PDA, blood is shunted from the left side of the heart (aorta) to the right side of the heart (pulmonary artery).
C. "This shunting results in increased pulmonary blood flow."
Explanation: This statement is correct. PDA leads to increased pulmonary blood flow as a result of the shunting of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery.
D. "Blood is shunted to the left side of the heart."
Explanation:
A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a fetal blood vessel that normally closes shortly after birth, remains open. In PDA, blood is shunted from the aorta (left side of the heart) to the pulmonary artery (right side of the heart), resulting in increased pulmonary blood flow. Therefore, the correct statement is that "Blood is shunted to the right side of the heart."

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Cracked lips:
Incorrect: While red, cracked lips are part of the mucous membrane changes seen in Kawasaki disease, they are not specific to the acute stage. Mucous membrane changes can occur in both the acute and subacute stages.
B. Desquamation of the skin:
Incorrect: Desquamation, or peeling of the skin, is more characteristic of the subacute or convalescent stages of Kawasaki disease, particularly on the fingers and toes.
C. Normal appearance:
Incorrect: In the acute stage, the child with Kawasaki disease typically exhibits signs of illness, including fever and other clinical manifestations. A "normal appearance" would not be expected in the acute stage.
D. Conjunctival hyperemia.
Explanation: Conjunctival hyperemia, or redness of the eyes, is a common clinical manifestation of the acute stage of Kawasaki disease. Other typical signs and symptoms during this stage include fever, mucous membrane changes (such as red, cracked lips), changes in the extremities, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Brachial artery:
Incorrect: The brachial artery is commonly used for measuring blood pressure in infants but not for assessing heart rate.
B. Radial artery:
Incorrect: The radial artery is not typically used for assessing an infant's heart rate, especially in the clinical setting.
C. Carotid artery:
Incorrect: The carotid artery is not commonly used for assessing an infant's heart rate. It is more commonly used in adults, but in infants, the apex of the heart is the preferred site.
D. Apex of the heart.
Correct Answer: The apex of the heart is the most accurate site for counting an infant's heart rate. It is located at the point of maximum impulse (PMI), which is usually at the fifth intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line.
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